Gavin Newlands MP marks World Mental Health Day

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North has marked World Mental Health Day by calling for continued support and by highlighting figures which show a substantial increase in funding for psychiatric services since 2007.

When the SNP took office at Scottish Government in 2007, funding stood at £651 million – but has now risen to £904 million in 2014-15. This increased funding proves the SNP’s commitment to providing Scotland with the best possible mental health services to ensure that people can get the treatment that they need. The Scottish Government has also created a specific ministerial post dedicated to mental health.

Commenting, Gavin Newlands MP, said:
“We still have a lot of work to do to stop the stigma attached to mental health and to ensure that everyone will be able to access treatment, but these figures show that the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that people get the support that they need in order to get better.

“Ensuring everyone is able to receive effective mental health treatment is an important step in our efforts to create a healthier, happier society – and the increased funding to sit at nearly £1 billion for psychiatric services is a positive development.

“World Mental Health Day is a fantastic opportunity for people to show solidarity with others facing difficulties and to let people know they are supported – and I would call for anyone battling with mental health issues to seek support whenever they need it.”